DOMO Chemicals and Hynamics have entered a partnership project with the objective of achieving zero-carbon for 100% of the H₂ used at the Belle-Étoile industrial site, in Saint-Fons, in the heart of the French Vallée de la Chimie.

For the first time in France, the HyDom project will enable the installation of an 85-megawatt (MW) H₂ production plant using the water electrolysis process at the Belle-Étoile site, with a production capacity of 11,000 metric tpy of low-carbon H₂. The plant will be powered by the French low-carbon electric power mix. By 2027, it will supply 100% of the annual production of hexamethylene diamine, a key component used in the production of plastics.

The project will eventually prevent the emission of 84 kilotons of CO₂ each year. Hexamethylene diamine, and ultimately, durable and low-carbon polyamides, will be used in various applications in major industry sectors, such as automotive, electronics, and heating & cooling.

This project is a major step towards the decarbonization of industrial sites that use grey H₂ (produced from fossil fuels). The location in the Vallée de la Chimie within the vicinity of major transport routes opens opportunities for the creation of a more complete H₂ ecosystem.

The first phase of the project will consist of building up and ascertaining technical concepts and integrating the low-carbon H₂ production plant within the larger production process of hexamethylene diamine.

Considering the high-power scale of the future electrolytic H₂ production facility, the HyDom project is being developed in close collaboration with RTE (an organization in charge of managing the French power grid), to solve connection issues. As a priority project for the industry's zero-carbon strategy and for the France 2030 investment plan, HyDom is supported by the French government and has been presented to the European Commission for public funding.

Christelle ROUILLÉ, CEO of Hynamics said, “In line with the goals set out in the France 2030 investment plan for a resilient and decarbonized industrial sector, Hynamics is proud to support leading H₂-consuming industrialists in their decarbonization efforts. The scope of the project launched in partnership with DOMO Chemicals reflects Hynamics’ expertise in developing industrial electrolytic H₂ production projects with a strong environmental impact. In replacing the unit that currently produces H₂ from natural gas, our project represents an important step towards industrial sovereignty and reaching our climate objectives”.

Yves BONTE, CEO of DOMO Chemicals said, “The reduction of CO₂ emissions remains a major challenge for the industry, and DOMO's low carbon footprint solutions are designed to help customers achieve their own CO₂ emission reduction targets. This joint investment in a low-carbon H₂ unit to replace the existing natural gas-based production unit will provide the first H₂ infrastructure in the Lyon area. This strategic partnership will help us - and hopefully an entire ecosystem in the Vallée de la Chimie - achieve DOMO's ambitious goals for 2030, focused on decarbonization, the use of renewable energy and delivering customer solutions.”